Selecting the Right Acne Treatment for You

Published:January 22nd, 2012

Having acne can be very frustrating and depressing. It does not only affect the physical appearance of a person, but also his/her self-image as well. For some individuals, acne has depressing effects and even lowers their self-esteem. That’s the reason why many people try different anti-acne treatment and medications despite their insufficient knowledge regarding the proper management of acne.

To select the best acne treatment is not simple. If you are among those individuals who tend to follow every other advice that is given regarding acne then the following tips are invaluable for you before selecting an appropriate treatment of your acne.

Properly assess the severity/grade of your acne

If your acne falls in grade 1 and 2(mild to moderate), you may use available over-the-counter medications; but if it falls in grade 3 and 4 (which are severe), you need to consult a dermatologist first and let him/her assess the level of your acne. He is the best person who can determine the type of treatment which is suited for your situation.

Common over-the-counter medications:

Salicylic acid: It known for its exfoliating effects on the skin. It also reduces the blockage of the skin pores which is the most common cause of acne.

Sulfur and resorcinol: It reduces the excess oil in the skin, thus preventing acne. Excessive oil production is one of the most important causes of acne.

Benzoyl peroxide: It has antibacterial properties. It also minimizes the clogging of skin pores. Both of these factors help in reducing acne.

Frequent used home remedies for acne (for mild to moderate acne):

Oatmeal and honey: It reduces clogged pores caused by excessive production of oil by the sebaceous glands.

Garlic: It has antibacterial properties that can minimize acne inflammation and pus formation.

Green tea: It has detoxifying effects on the skin.

Commonly prescribed medications to treat severe acne:

Topical/oral antibiotics: They exterminate acne-causing bacteria on the skin; however, you need to take them as per recommendations by the dermatologist to prevent antibiotic resistance.

Accutane: It is another commonly prescribed anti-acne medication which helps to relieve acne.

Acne-removal procedures 

Light chemical peeling: It removes dead skin cells and cleanses clogged pores.

Phototherapy: In this process inflammation and swelling is reduced using a laser and/or different kinds of lights.

Microdermabrasion: It involves exfoliation and removal of dead skin cells.

Comedo extractions:  It reduces clogged pores by mechanically removing blackheads and whiteheads from the skin.

Compliance to treatment regimen

Conform to the prescribed recommendations given by your doctor. Do not overuse or underuse a certain anti-acne product, most especially oral antibiotics. Misuse can lead to antibiotic resistance.

Do not expect an overnight result. It takes up to six weeks for the treatment results to be visible in most of the cases.

Carefully read the ingredients of the anti-acne product 

Please keep in mind that skin is very sensitive to chemicals, therefore, make sure that before using a product you read its  ingredients very carefully and do not use those products to which your skin is sensitive.

Above all, the most important thing to consider before selecting the best acne treatment is your readiness for an enhanced therapeutic regimen. All of these treatments will be useless if you do not comply to them wholeheartedly.

 

 

 

 

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